Justin Holbrook hails St Helens' return to top Super League form
Last Updated: 16/08/18 11:37pm
Justin Holbrook believes St Helens' performance in their Super League Super 8s 36-16 victory at Wakefield was just as important as the two points.
Saints' season had stalled after they were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Catalans Dragons at the semi-final stage before losing to Huddersfield at the start of their Super 8s campaign.
But they moved 10 points clear of Wigan and within touching distance of the League Leaders' Shield after victory over a resolute Trinity.
Head coach Holbrook said: "It was just important we played well again.
"We didn't just lose a semi-final, we were knocked out of a cup so we were pretty devastated. It was hard to physically get up for it [against Huddersfield], never mind mentally, so I was OK with last Friday.
"It was just important this week that we had a normal week which was great and I came to the game thinking that we were back to our normal selves, and the boys showed that which was important.
"We knew how hard it was going to be and to come away with a good win is very pleasing."
Tommy Makinson produced two moments of magic either side of Jonny Lomax's score as St Helens scored three tries in the space of eight first-half minutes to lead 16-0 at half-time.
"It was great for Tommy, he can do some special things and they were two great finishes which was awesome to watch," the St Helens coach added.
Wakefield battled back in the second half with tries from Kyle Wood and Pauli Pauli - his fifth in his last four games - but St Helens were always able to keep their opponents at arm's length.
Theo Fages, Luke Douglas and Regan Grace all touched down in the final quarter, meaning Bill Tupou's score was a mere consolation for the hosts.
Wakefield, who handed St Helens one of their only two defeats during the regular league season in April, saw their already slim hopes of finishing in the top four take another setback.
Despite a spirited performance, coach Chris Chester was left to rue St Helens running riot towards the end of the first half which was scoreless for the first 26 minutes.
Chester said: "I'm very disappointed, very frustrated.
"I thought we started the game pretty good, high completions, kicked the ball well and then we had a 15-minute spell in that first half where we came up with six errors from nine sets.
"You can't afford to do that against a top-quality side and Saints are a top-quality side.
"I was very disappointed to come in at 16-0 down. We showed plenty of character and energy to get back into the game.
"But credit to Saints, they were the better side and there's a lot for us to work on next week."